54-46 Was My Number: A Reggae Classic by Toots and the Maytals
If you are a fan of reggae music, you have probably heard of the song "54-46 Was My Number" by Toots and the Maytals. It is one of the most famous and influential songs in the history of reggae, and it has been covered, sampled, and remixed by countless artists across different genres. But do you know what the song is about, how it became popular, where you can download it, and what are some of the best cover versions and remixes of it? In this article, we will explore all these aspects of this reggae classic, and hopefully, make you appreciate it even more.
What is the song about?
The song "54-46 Was My Number" is based on a true story that happened to Fred "Toots" Hibbert, the lead singer and songwriter of Toots and the Maytals. In 1966, Toots was arrested for possession of marijuana, which he claimed was planted on him by a rival music producer. He spent 18 months in prison, where he was assigned the prisoner ID number 54-46. He wrote the song after his release, as a way of expressing his frustration and anger at the injustice he faced.
54-46 was my number mp3 download
The meaning behind the lyrics
The lyrics of the song are simple but powerful. They describe Toots' experience in prison, from being arrested to being released. He starts by saying "Stick it up, mister!" which is a Jamaican slang for "Hands up!" He then asks the police officer if he can hear what he is saying, and tells him to get his hands in the air. He says that he will not get hurt if he cooperates, but he also says "no no no" to indicate his defiance and resistance. He then repeats "I said yeah" and "listen what they say" several times, as if he is trying to convince himself or someone else that he is innocent. He also asks "can you hear me say yeah?" as if he is looking for support or validation from others.
He then denies that he would ever take marijuana with him and give it to a police officer. He says "I wouldn't do that" twice, followed by "and if I do that, I would say 'Sir come on and put the charge on me'" which shows his honesty and integrity. He also says "I'm not a fool to hurt myself" which implies that he knows the consequences of his actions. He then states that he was innocent of what they did to him, and that they were wrong. He also says "you give it to me one time", "you give it to me two times", etc., up to four times, which could refer to either the number of times he was beaten or interrogated by the police, or the number of years he was sentenced to prison.
He then reveals his prisoner ID number, 54-46, which he repeats twice. He says "was my number" in past tense, which indicates that he is no longer in prison. He also says "right now someone else has that number" which suggests that he has moved on from his past, but also album Slatyam Stoot. It was produced by Leslie Kong and featured a ska-rocksteady sound. The song was well received in Jamaica, where it reached number one on the charts. It also attracted some attention in the UK, where it was released on the Pyramid and Trojan labels. However, it did not achieve mainstream success or recognition at the time.
The follow-up version and international success
In 1970, Toots and the Maytals re-recorded the song as "54-46 Was My Number" for their album Monkey Man. This version had a more reggae-oriented sound, with a slower tempo, a heavier bass line, and more prominent organ and guitar parts. The song also had some minor changes in the lyrics, such as replacing "I'm not a fool to hurt myself" with "I'm not guilty". This version was also produced by Leslie Kong and released on the Trojan label in the UK.
This version of the song became a huge hit in the UK, where it reached number 22 on the singles chart in 1971. It also became one of the first reggae songs to gain popularity outside Jamaica, especially among the emerging skinhead subculture, which embraced reggae music as part of their identity and style. The song also helped to establish Toots and the Maytals as one of the leading reggae acts in the world, and paved the way for their subsequent albums and tours.
54-46 (That's My Number) MP3 Song Download
Toots & The Maytals 54-46 Was My Number MP3
54-46 Was My Number Live MP3 Download
Reggae Greats - Toots & The Maytals MP3 Album
54-46 Was My Number Reggae Love Island MP3
Toots And The Maytals 54-46 MP3 Free Download
54-46 Was My Number by Toots The Maytals MP3
Download 54-46 (That's My Number) Song Offline
54-46 Was My Number MP3 Song Wynk Music
Toots & The Maytals Reggae Got Soul MP3 Download
54-46 Was My Number Funky Kingston MP3
Toots And The Maytals Pressure Drop MP3 Download
54-46 (That's My Number) Single Version MP3
Toots & The Maytals Monkey Man MP3 Download
54-46 Was My Number Spiritual Healing MP3
Toots And The Maytals Sweet And Dandy MP3 Download
54-46 (That's My Number) Dub Version MP3
Toots & The Maytals Take Me Home Country Roads MP3 Download
54-46 Was My Number Time Tough MP3
Toots And The Maytals Bam Bam MP3 Download
54-46 (That's My Number) Remix MP3
Toots & The Maytals Louie Louie MP3 Download
54-46 Was My Number I See You MP3
Toots And The Maytals In The Dark MP3 Album Download
54-46 (That's My Number) Cover Version MP3
Toots & The Maytals Peace Perfect Peace MP3 Download
54-46 Was My Number Just Like That MP3
Toots And The Maytals Got To Be Tough MP3 Album Download
54-46 (That's My Number) Lyrics MP3 Download
Toots & The Maytals Live At My Fathers Place MP3 Download
The influence and legacy of the song
The song "54-46 Was My Number" is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential songs in the history of reggae music. It is considered to be one of the defining songs of the genre, as it captured the essence and spirit of reggae, as well as its social and political messages. The song also showcased Toots Hibbert's distinctive voice and style, which combined elements of soul, gospel, blues, and rock. The song also inspired and influenced many other artists and genres, such as punk rock, hip hop, dub, dancehall, and ska revival.
The song has been anthologised repeatedly and has been included in many reggae compilations and collections. Some examples are The Harder They Come (1972), The Story of Jamaican Music (1993), Reggae Gold (1994), The Rough Guide to Reggae (1997), Young Gifted and Black (2002), This Is Reggae Music (2004), The Trojan Story (2004), Reggae: The Definitive Collection (2005), The Best Reggae Album in the World...Ever! (2008), 100 Hits: Reggae (2008), Island Records Presents: Reggae Discomixes (2017), and Trojan 50 Boxset (2018). Some of these compilations also feature "54-46 Was My Number" in their title or subtitle.
Where can you download the song?
If you want to download the song "54-46 Was My Number" by Toots and the Maytals, you have several options to choose from. However, you should also be aware of some legal and ethical issues that may arise from downloading music, as well as some benefits and drawbacks of using mp3 format.
The official sources and platforms
The best way to download the song "54-46 Was My Number" is to use official sources and platforms that are authorized by Toots and the Maytals or their record labels. These sources usually offer high-quality mp3 files that are safe and legal to download. Some examples are:
: You can buy and download individual songs or albums by Toots and the Maytals on iTunes. You can also stream their music on Apple Music if you have a subscription.
: You can buy and download individual songs or albums by Toots and the Maytals on Amazon. You can also stream their music on Amazon Music if you have a subscription.
: You can stream their music on Spotify if you have a subscription. You can also download their songs for offline listening if you have a premium account.
: You can watch their music videos on YouTube for free. You can also download their songs using YouTube Music if you have a subscription.
: You can buy and download individual songs or albums by Toots and the Maytals on Bandcamp. You can also stream their music for free or pay what you want.
The legal and ethical issues of downloading music
While downloading music from official sources and platforms is generally safe and legal, there are some legal and ethical issues that may arise from downloading music from other sources and platforms that are not authorized by the artists or their record labels. These sources may offer free or cheap mp3 files that are of low quality, infected with viruses, or infringing on the copyrights of the artists. Some examples are:
: This is one of the most notorious and popular torrent sites that allows users to download and share music, movies, games, software, and other digital content for free. However, this site is illegal in many countries and has been blocked or banned by many internet service providers and governments. Downloading music from this site may expose you to legal actions, fines, or even jail time.
: This is one of the most popular mp3 download sites that allows users to search and download music for free. However, this site is also illegal in many countries and has been sued by many record labels and artists for copyright infringement. Downloading music from this site may also expose you to legal actions, fines, or even jail time.
: This is one of the most popular online audio platforms that allows users to upload, share, and stream music for free. However, not all music on this site is authorized by the artists or their record labels. Some music may be uploaded without permission or consent, which may violate the rights of the artists. Downloading music from this site may also expose you to legal actions, fines, or even jail time.
Therefore, before you download any music from any source or platform, you should always check if it is legal and ethical to do so. You should also respect the rights and wishes of the artists and their record labels, and support them by buying their music from official sources and platforms.
The benefits and drawbacks of mp3 format
Another thing to consider when downloading music is the format of the files. One of the most common and popular formats for digital audio is mp3, which stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer III. Mp3 is a lossy compression format, which means that it reduces the size of the audio files by removing some of the data that is not essential or noticeable to human ears. This makes mp3 files smaller and easier to store, transfer, and stream. However, it also reduces the quality and fidelity of the audio files, which may affect the sound and experience of listening to music.
Some of the benefits of mp3 format are:
It saves space: Mp3 files are much smaller than other formats, such as WAV or FLAC, which means that you can store more songs on your device or cloud storage.
It saves time: Mp3 files are faster to download and upload than other formats, which means that you can access your music more quickly and conveniently.
It saves money: Mp3 files are cheaper or free to download than other formats, which means that you can save money on buying music.
Some of the drawbacks of mp3 format are:
It loses quality: Mp3 files have lower quality than other formats, which means that you may miss some details or nuances of the music.
It loses compatibility: Mp3 files may not be compatible with some devices or software that do not support mp3 format, which means that you may not be able to play your music on them.
It loses originality: Mp3 files may not preserve the original sound or intention of the artists or their record labels, which means that you may not appreciate their music as they intended.
Therefore, before you download any music in mp3 format, you should always weigh the benefits and drawbacks of it. You should also consider other formats that may offer better quality or compatibility, such as WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG, or WMA.
What are some cover versions and remixes of the song?
If you love the song "54-46 Was My Number" by Toots and the Maytals, you may also enjoy some of the cover versions and remixes of it by other artists. There are many cover versions and remixes of this song across different genres and styles, which show how versatile and adaptable this song is. Some examples are:
The notable artists and genres that have covered the song
Some of the notable artists and genres that have covered the song "54-46 Was My Number" are:
: This is a British reggae band that covered the song in 1984 on their album Rebel Souls. Their version had a more upbeat and danceable sound, and featured a rap by MC Daddy Speedo.
: This is a Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist that covered the song in 1992 on his album Mr. Mention. His version had a more aggressive and energetic sound, and featured his signature fast and rough vocals.
: This is an American ska punk band that covered the song in 1996 on their album Sublime. Their version had a more rock and punk sound, and featured a guitar solo by Brad Nowell.
: This is a British punk rock band that covered the song in 2000 on their album From Here to Eternity: Live. Their version had a more raw and live sound, and featured a harmonica solo by Joe Strummer.
: This is a British soul and jazz singer that covered the song in 2008 on her album Back to Black: B-Sides. Her version had a more soulful and jazzy sound, and featured her distinctive voice and style.
The creative and innovative ways that the song has been sampled and remixed
Some of the creative and innovative ways that the song "54-46 Was My Number" has been sampled and remixed are:
: This is an American electronic music group that sampled and remixed the song in 2009 on their album Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do. Their version had a more modern and futuristic sound, and featured Toots Hibbert himself as a guest vocalist.
: This is an American hip hop artist that sampled and remixed the song in 1993 on his album Return of the Boom Bap. His version had a more hip hop and rap sound, and featured Shabba Ranks, a Jamaican dancehall artist, as a guest vocalist.
: This is an American experimental music artist that sampled and remixed the song in 2008 on his album Dubtometry. His version had a more ambient and dub sound, and featured Lee "Scratch" Perry, a Jamaican reggae producer, as a guest vocalist.
: This is a British ska revival band that sampled and remixed the song in 1979 on their album The Specials. Their version had a more ska and 2 Tone sound, and featured Rico Rodriguez, a Jamaican trombonist, as a guest musician.
: This is an American rapper who changed his name to Snoop Lion when he converted to Rastafarianism in 2012. He sampled and remixed the song in 2013 on his album Reincarnated. His version had a more dancehall and pop sound, and featured Angela Hunte, an American singer-songwriter, as a guest vocalist.
The comparison and contrast of different versions of the song
One of the interesting things about the song "54-46 Was My Number" is that it has been interpreted in different ways by different artists. Each version of the song has its own unique sound, style, mood, message, and audience. Some versions may be more faithful or loyal to the original, while others may be more creative or innovative. Some versions may be more popular or successful than others, while others may be more obscure or underrated. Some versions may be more similar or compatible with each other, while others may be more different or contrasting.
For example, one way to compare and contrast different versions of the song is to use a table like this:
Version Sound Style Mood Message Audience --- --- --- --- --- --- Original by Toots and the Maytals Ska-rocksteady Reggae Angry-defiant Protest-injustice Jamaican Cover by Aswad Upbeat-danceable Reggae-pop Fun-celebratory Party-enjoyment British Cover by Buju Banton Aggressive-energetic Dancehall-rap Tough-confident Bragging-assertion Jamaican Cover by Sublime Rock-punk Ska-punk Cool-rebellious Tribute-appreciation American Cover by The Clash Raw-live Punk-rock Rough-passionate Solidarity-respect British Cover by Amy Winehouse Soulful-jazzy Soul-jazz Sad-nostalgic Emotion-expression British As you can see, each version of the song has its own characteristics and appeal, and you may prefer one version over another depending on your taste and preference. However, you can also enjoy and appreciate all the versions of the song, as they all pay homage to the original and show the diversity and richness of reggae music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the song "54-46 Was My Number" by Toots and the Maytals is a reggae classic that deserves your attention and admiration. It is a song that tells a true story of injustice and resistance, that reflects the historical and cultural context of Jamaica and reggae music, that became popular through different versions and platforms, that can be downloaded from official sources and platforms, and that has been covered and remixed by many artists and genres. It is a song that has a powerful message, a catchy sound, and a lasting legacy.
A summary of the main points
To summarize, here are the main points of this article:
The song "54-46 Was My Number" is based on Toots Hibbert's experience in prison for possession of marijuana.
The song expresses his frustration and anger at the injustice he faced, as well as his defiance and resistance.
The song reflects the historical and cultural context of Jamaica in the 1960s, when the country was undergoing political and social turmoil, and reggae music emerged as a way of expressing the struggles and aspirations of the Jamaican people.
The song became popular through several factors, such as the original release and reception in Jamaica, the follow-up version and international success in the UK, and the influence and legacy of the song in the world.
The song can be downloaded from official sources and platforms that are authorized by Toots and the Maytals or their record labels, such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, YouTube, or Bandcamp.
The song has been covered and remixed by many artists and genres across different sounds, styles, moods, messages, and audiences, such as Aswad, Buju Banton, Sublime, The Clash, Amy Winehouse, Major Lazer, KRS-One, DJ Spooky, The Specials, or Snoop Lion.
A personal opinion and recommendation
Personally, I think that the song "54-46 Was My Number" is a masterpiece of reggae music that everyone should listen to at least once in their life. It is a song that has a lot of meaning and emotion behind it, as well as a lot of fun and groove to it. It is a song that can make you feel angry or happy, sad or hopeful, depending on how you interpret it. It is also a song that can make you appreciate the diversity and richness of reggae music, as well as the talent and charisma of Toots Hibbert.
Therefore, I highly recommend that you download the song "54-46 Was My Number" from one of the official sources or platforms mentioned above. You can also check out some of the cover versions or remixes of the song to see how different artists have interpreted it in their own ways. You can also watch some videos or documentaries about Toots Hibbert or Toots and the Maytals to learn more about their life and career. You can also listen to some of their other songs or albums to discover more of their music.
A call to action for the readers
If you are interested in downloading the song "54-46 Was My Number" by Toots and the Maytals or learning more about them or reggae music in general, here are some actions that you can take:
Visit their official website to find out more about their history, discography, tour dates, news, merchandise, etc.
Follow them on their social media accounts , etc. to stay updated on their activities, events, releases, etc.
Subscribe to their newsletter to receive exclusive updates, offers, discounts, etc.
Buy their music from their official store or from other official sources or platforms mentioned above.
Support their causes and charities, such as the Toots Foundation , which aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Toots Hibbert and reggae music, as well as to support education, health, and social welfare in Jamaica and beyond.
Share your thoughts and opinions about the song "54-46 Was My Number" or any other song by Toots and the Maytals on your social media accounts, blogs, forums, etc. You can also join some online communities or groups of fans of Toots and the Maytals or reggae music in general, such as .
Leave a comment below this article to let us know what you think of the song "54-46 Was My Number" or any other song by Toots and the Maytals. You can also ask us any questions or suggestions that you may have about this article or any other topic related to reggae music.
We hope that you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned something new and interesting about the song "54-46 Was My Number" by Toots and the Maytals. We also hope that you will download the song and listen to it, as well as explore more of their music and reggae music in general. Thank you for your time and attention, and we hope to hear from you soon.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the song "54-46 Was My Number" by Toots and the Maytals:
Q: When did Toots Hibbert die?
A: Toots Hibbert died on September 11, 2020, at the age of 77. He was hospitalized in Kingston, Jamaica, after contracting COVID-19. He was widely mourned and celebrated by his fans, friends, family, and fellow musicians.
Q: What is the difference between ska, rocksteady, and reggae?
A: Ska, rocksteady, and reggae are three related musical genres that originated in Jamaica in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s respectively. Ska is characterized by a fast tempo, a strong offbeat accent, and a blend of Caribbean rhythms and American jazz and rhythm and blues. Rocksteady is characterized by a slower tempo, a more relaxed groove, and a focus on harmony and melody. Reggae is characterized by a medium tempo, a syncopated bass line, and a mix of African, Caribbean, and American influences.
Q: What are some other songs by Toots and the Maytals?
A: Some of the other songs by Toots and the Maytals are:
"Pressure Drop": This is one of their most famous songs that was featured on the soundtrack of The Harder They Come (1972), a Jamaican film that starred Jimmy Cliff. It is a song that warns of the consequences of oppression and injustice.
"Monkey Man": This is one of their most popular songs that was covered by many artists, such as The Specials, Reel Big Fish, Amy Winehouse, etc. It is a song that mocks a rival or an enemy.
"Funky Kingston": This is one of their most catchy songs that was praised by critics and fans alike. It is a song that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica.
"Sweet and Dandy": This is one of their most cheerful songs that won the Jamaican Festival Song Competition in 1969. It is a song that describes a wedding scene in Jamaica.
"Reggae Got Soul": This is one of their most soulful songs that was featured on their album of the same name in 1976. It is a song that expresses the emotion and spirit of reggae music.
Q: What are some other artists or genres that are influenced by or similar to Toots and the Maytals?
A: Some of the other artists or genres that are influenced by or similar to Toots and the Maytals are:
: He is one of the most famous and influential reggae artists of all time. He was a friend and a collaborator of Toots Hibbert. He also sang about the social and political issues of Jamaica and the world, as well as the Rastafarian faith and culture.
: They are one of the most influential ska bands of all time. They were the backing band for many Jamaican artists, including Toots and the Maytals. They also played a variety of musical styles, such as jazz, calypso, mento, and rocksteady.
: They are one of the most popular ska revival bands of the 1980s. They were inspired by Toots and the Maytals and other Jamaican artists, as well as by British pop and rock music. They also sang about the social and cultural issues of Britain, such as unemployment, racism, and violence.
: They are one of the most successful ska punk bands of the 1990s and 2000s. They were influenced by Toots and the Maytals and other reggae and ska artists, as well as by American rock and pop music. They also sang about personal and interpersonal issues, such as love, relationships, and identity.
: He is one of the most famous and influential dancehall artists of the 2000s and 2010s. He was influenced by Toots and the Maytals and other reggae and dancehall artists, as well as by hip hop and pop music. He also sang about partying, dancing, and having fun.
Q: What are some other songs that have a similar title or theme to "54-46 Was My Number"?
A: Some of the other songs that have a similar title or theme to "54-46 Was My Number" are:
"I Fought the Law" by The Crickets: This is a rockabilly song that was written in 1958 by Sonny Curtis. It is about a man who breaks the law and ends up in prison. It has been covered by many artists, such as The Bobby Fuller Four, The Clash, Green Day, etc.
"Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley: This is a rock and roll song that was written in 1957 by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It is about a man who enjoys dancing and singing in prison. It was featured in the movie of the same name starring Elvis Presley.
"Redemption Song" by Bob Marley: This is a reggae song that was written in 1980 by Bob Marley. It is about emancipating oneself from mental slavery and oppression. It was inspired by a speech by Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican activist and leader of the Pan-Africanist movement.
"Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash: This is a country song that was written in 1955 by Johnny Cash. It is about a man who regrets killing a man and ending up in prison. It was inspired by a movie called Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison.
"I Shot the Sheriff" by Bob Marley: This is another reggae song that was written in 1973 by Bob Marley. It is about a man who claims to have shot the sheriff but not the deputy. It was covered by Eric Clapton in 1974.
44f88ac181
Comments